Select Local Merchants

Bob Wollam's life is in full bloom. Since 1989, the gardener has surrounded himself with 11 acres of fresh flowers, more than 80 varieties of trees, shrubs, and perennials, and a volunteer army of green-thumbed interns. And the plants aren't the only beauty to fill the grounds. A federal house dating back to 1819 features antique furnishings and was fully restored over Bob's first ten years on the farm. Guests are welcome to spend the night, and get full old-fashioned experience with fresh-baked goods from Bob's sister Karen, who lives next door, and eggs or career advice from the farm's chickens.

Hailed by The Washington Post and The Washingtonian, Mad Fox Brewing Company marries carefully brewed libations with toothsome cuisine served amid rich wooden décor and along a 63-foot-long bar. Mad Fox's succulent menu twists traditional pub fare into nuanced and hearty noshes. Patrons perched atop cushy leather barstools can tuck into entrees lovingly crafted with fresh ingredients that are often locally sourced. Inhale a breath of Louisiana with Shrimp & Grits, which blends smoked gouda and Cajun-spiced tomato fondue ($18) or savor the aquatic aromas wafting from the blackened tuna ($22), which ducks under cover of lemon-butter sauce so it may use potato straws to shoot spitballs at its rival entrees. Arriving in 11-inch and 16-inch, and gluten-free disk form, pizzas support toppings that include apple-wood-smoked bacon and black mission figs ($12+), and sandwiches nestle burgers ($10+) and herbivorous bundles ($8) in their bready embrace.

Kaizen Mixed Martial Art borrows its name from a Japanese term that describes a type of activity that, when performed regularly, yields momentous results over time. This concept forms the core of Kaizen Mixed Martial Art's training philosophy—any action, no matter how slight, brings great results with continuous effort. Under the tutelage of skilled instructors, students steadily develop self-defense skills, tone muscles, and learn what it takes to be a professional fighter in a variety of disciplines. In Muay Thai classes, K-1 tournament finalists teach students "the art of eight limbs" through striking techniques that rely on the hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Brazilian jiu-jitsu and MMA cover a wide array of grappling techniques from a faculty that includes former WEC and UFC fighter Kamal Shalorus, and old-fashioned boxing lessons come straight from coaches with Golden Gloves championships in their trophy cases.

Though some of Virginia Wine Tours’ staffers swear by Argentinean Malbecs and others favor New Zealand Rieslings, one thing’s certain: they’re all passionate about Northern Virginian wines. These aficionados conduct tours through a sweeping array of vineyards across the region, including the intimate Bluemont Vineyard in Loudon County, the sprawling Gray Ghost Vineyard in Rappahannock County, and the mountainside Naked Mountain Winery in Fauquier County. During these full- and half-day trips, they enlighten groups with local area viniculture facts and anecdotes, as well as encourage them to mix and mingle amongst their fellow wine enthusiasts. Virginia Wine Tours provides tour groups with transportation to and from wineries, sparing customers the inconvenience of having to worry about parking their cars or mastering the art of vehicle levitation.

Locally owned in Northern Virginia, Jimmy Potters Studio offers a unique and inspirational environment were guests of all ages can explore their creativity and develop their self esteem. As a contemporary paint-your-own pottery studio, adults, children and the young are encouraged choose from a variety of bowls, figurines etc to paint. The space is the work of Jimmy Potters, a fine-arts student of ceramics who wanted to transform his dreams of driven potter and entrepreneur into a reality. He started out of his garage, partnering with a small daycare and introducing children to the tactile art. The program soon became a hit and Jimmy was able to expand to his current colorful studio and to surround himself with like-minded artists to help teach his curriculum.

When you hear that a place always accepts walk-ins and has a BYOB policy, you would most likely envision a restaurant. But the staff at Hot Fired Arts doesn't bake food?they fire up customized ceramics and glass pieces. Guests can show up anytime to pick and decorate a piece, whether they want to paint a bowl, embellish a mug, or combine glass pieces into a colorful pendant without using sorcery. Once finished, they leave their work to be fired by the staff, and return to pick it up once it's complete. They offer projects for all ages?including kid-friendly glass-fusion sessions?as well as a party room that can be reserved for special events for kids or adults.

Groupon Guide

Escape the sun’s merciless strength with a Coen brothers double feature or New Belgium Brewing Company’s most beloved sour ale. Get a cardiovascular workout with Nellie McKay’s politically amped cabaret show, take in a classic '90s alt-rock album in its entirety, or show some Peruvian pride at the National Museum of the American Indian. And as always, check Groupon for even more great things to do in DC.
Coen Brothers: Double Take at the Washington Jewish Community Center
Logan Circle | Through Sunday, July 27
Nobody wants to stop at just one Coen brothers film, so the Jewish Community Center's summer series satisfies fans with a different double feature every other week. This week juxtaposes two comedies: modern classic The Big Lebowski and underrated dramedy A Serious Man. Catch both features in one sitting, or come back for a second viewing. (1529 16th St. NW; $12; buy tickets here)
New Belgium Brewing Company Sweet & Sour Evening Finale at Jackpot
Chinatown | Wednesday, July 30, 7p.m. to 9 p.m.
New Belgium Brewing Company concludes its Sweet & Sour series with a guided tasting of tart brews and artisan chocolates. This being the grand finale, the night's champion will be award-winning wood-aged sour brown ale La Folie, though plenty of other rare sours will make appearances. The tastings are free, but you can purchase $4 drafts of Snapshot Wheat as well. (726 7th St. NW; free)
Nellie McKay in A Girl Named Bill: The Life and Times of Billy Tipton
Vienna | Thursday, July 31, 7:30 p.m.
Described by the New Yorker as ''funny and touching, ceaselessly clever and scarily talented,” performer Nellie McKay returns after completing her award-winning off-Broadway production of Old Hats. Backed by her band, the politically charged singer will continue subverting cabaret fare with selections from her critically acclaimed new album, Home Sweet Mobile Home. (227 Maple Ave. E, Vienna, VA; $20; buy tickets here)
Kaypi Perú Festival at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian
National Mall | Through Sunday, August 3
Kaypi Perú means this is Peru in the Quechua language, and the Kaypi Perú festival means to make an honest phrase of it during the six-day festival. Live music will soundrack traditional dance as films, lectures, and hands-on activities keep families entertained. You can also sample traditional food and drinks or buy wares from indigenous Peruvian artisans. (4th St. & Independence Ave. SW; free)
Live's Ed Kowalczyk Performs Throwing Copper at the State Theatre
Falls Church City | Friday, August 1, 8 p.m.
Twenty years ago, rock band Live reached worldwide fame with their platinum album Throwing Copper. The album's hits—including ''Lightning Crashes,'' ''I Alone,'' and ''Selling the Drama''—continue to register with listeners thanks in large part to lead singer Ed Kowalczyk's thundering voice and MTV-ready charisma. To celebrate the album's 20th anniversary, he will perform Throwing Copper in its entirety. (20 N. Washington St., Falls Church, VA; $30; buy tickets here)
Photo courtesy of Ed Kowalczyk's Facebook page.

On this week’s agenda: a beer festival with the band !!!, flamenco music in the Sculpture Garden, a kid-size signing of the Constitution, the return of Lil Boosie, and a seriously transformative circus. Enjoy yourselves, and as always, check Groupon for even more great things to do in DC.
Third Annual Snallygaster Beer Festival at The Yards
The Yards | Saturday, September 13
This year's fest features more than 250 craft brews from around the globe, including autumn seasonals, cask ales, assorted barrel-aged beers, and craft cans. The beers will pair nicely with gourmet treats from local purveyors such as Red Hook Lobster Pound, Lemongrass Truck, Red Apron Butchery, and Takorean. Live music from dance-punk outfit !!! and local electro-pop artist Brett completes the festival trifecta. (1st St. SE and N St. SE; $35; buy tickets here)
Ricardo Marlow and Ensemble at the National Gallery of Art
National Mall | Sunday, September 14
Amid the leaves and statues of the Sculpture Garden, classical guitarist Ricardo Marlow will honor Hispanic Heritage Month with a performance of his signature flamenco melodies. Marlow's striking, percussive style is ideal for dancing, and will be amplified even further by the seductive strings of his accompanying ensemble. (700 Constitution Ave. NW; free)
Constitution Day Family Activities at Boeing Learning Center
Federal Triangle | Wednesday, September 17
Parents and kids can channel the penmanship of the Founding Fathers by reenacting the signing of the Constitution a mere 227 years later. The National Archives and Records Administration will provide quill pens for children to apply their own John Hancocks (or, in this case, George Washingtons) on replicas of the great document. Crafts and costumes will also be on hand to add to the colonial festivities. (700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; free)
Lil' Boosie at Echostage
Langdon Park | Friday, September 19, at 9 p.m.
Fresh from his release from Louisiana State Penitentiary, the rapper who perked ears with hits like "Give Me That" and "Better Believe It" is back with a new single ("Show Da World") and a new outlook on life. On this tour, expect him to get back to business, turning new phrases in preparation for his forthcoming album. (2135 Queens Chapel Rd. NE; $65; buy tickets here)
Big Apple Circus's Metamorphosis at Dulles Town Center
Sterling | Thursday, September 18, and Friday, September 19
New York's legendary circus troupe returns to bewitch crowds through trapeze artistry, torch juggling, contortion, and gymnastic feats performed on horses. The show is called Metamorphosis, and the acrobats take this theme seriously; many death-defying tricks and stunts focus on transformation, such as turning balls into flames. (21100 Dulles Town Circle, Suite 194, Sterling, Virginia; $35; buy tickets here)
Photos courtesy of Big Apple Circus, Snallygaster, and the National Gallery of Art.

Sink into the August haze with an R & B fest headlined by Lauryn Hill, or watch one of Shakespeare’s most mystical plays under the stars. Colin Powell shares his insight on the politics of war, Brooklyn authors read poetry and fiction, and the first-ever Puppet Fest invites guests to BYOP. And as always, check Groupon for even more great things to do in DC.
Summer Spirit Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion
Columbia | Saturday, August 2, 3 p.m.
The Summer Spirit Festival always brings forth major names in hip-hop and R & B, but this year's fest stands out for marking the return of Lauryn Hill. The singer has spent the last year in the midst of a massive comeback and is expected to perform several tracks from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and the Fugees' The Score while backed by her reggae band. Joining Ms. Hill is Electric Lady Janelle Monae, rapper Talib Kweli, and neo-soul crooner Raheem DeVaughn. (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD; $46–$125; buy tickets here)
Bring Your Own Puppet to Imagination Stage Puppet Fest
Bethesda | Sunday, August 3, 1:30 p.m. or 4 p.m.
For the first-ever Puppet Fest at Imagination Station, guests are invited to BYOP, or bring your own puppet, to one of two productions of Roald Dahl's The BFG. More than 20 different puppets tell the story of one friendly giant: a 35-pound, 13-foot-tall puppet who can’t help but love to eat children. If you opt to BYOP to the show, you'll receive a lap pass for your puppet, storage space, and a chance to interact with the professional puppeteers. (4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD; $10; buy tickets here)
Shakespeare's “The Tempest” at Olney Theatre Center
Olney | Through Sunday, August 3
On the outdoor Root Family Stage, the National Players are ending their summer run of Shakespeare's classic tale about a magician who is shipwrecked on a mystical island with his daughter. This is the National Players' 65th consecutive year of touring, and like many of their shows, The Tempest is a labor of love divided between veteran cast and novice players. Theater-goers are invited to bring a picnic blanket and lawn chairs, as well as their own snacks to enjoy under the stars. (2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney, MD; $20, free for children; buy tickets here)
Colin Powell: On Life and Leadership at George Washington University
Foggy Bottom | Monday, August 4, 7 p.m.
In support of his new book, It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership, Colin Powell discusses what he's learned as a ground soldier in Vietnam, four-star general, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the Persian Gulf War. Frank Sesno, director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, will interview General Powell during the lecture, which will conclude with a book signing. (730 21st St., NW (21st & H); $45; buy tickets here)
A Reading Is Sexy Experience at Busboys and Poets
U Street Corridor | Thursday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.
Brooklyn's indie publisher Papercut Press hosts a night of music, readings, and a Q&A to promote what it considers the new American author: ''socially responsible, politically invested, and staunchly anti-corporate.'' Participating writers include m. craig––author of queer, dystopian fantasy The Narrows––and Rami Shamir, who is the co-founding editor of Underground Editions. Busboys and Poets will serve up its signature vegan bar snacks throughout the evening. (5th and K St.; free)
Images courtesy of Ms. Lauryn Hill’s official tour site, The National Players’ official Facebook, and General Colin L. Powell’s official Facebook